The JEEP KURRI BURRI Polo Classic – The Perfect Match For Mother’s Day

March 21st, 2013

The JEEP Kurri Burri Polo Classic launched its Mother’s Day event on Wednesday evening to a select crowd of socialites, sponsors, polo players and media at Double Bay’s hot spot, Pelicano – and I was there to enjoy it!

We were greeted by hand crafted signs made with love, by Daimon Downey, exclaiming ‘Pelicano heart mummy’, and making gorgeous references to their sponsors JEEP and Veuve Cliquot. We were also welcomed with delicious canapés provided by Pelicano, who announced they will be hosting a cool, pop-up bar at Kurri Burri.

The event, to be held Sunday May 12, is fast becoming the landmark lifestyle and social polo event in NSW. Event Organisers Yakusan, gave a special thanks to Jeep, Veuve Clicquot, Jaeger Le-Coultre, Shangri La Hotels & Resorts, and Inala for their continued partnership, and welcomed The Classic Safari Company as a new partner for 2013. Gilles Merry (Yakusan MD) also thanked Glenn & Sam Wheatley the entertainment extraordinaires who joined the project to help take the event to new heights in 2013.

Kurri Burri Polo Club CEO, Adam Marshall, was thrilled to announce that the event’s headlining act was to be the talented Prinnie Stevens, one of Australia’s most sought after performers, “Prinnie is a mother herself, and the perfect role model for everything our event stands for.”

Money raised will go towards the charity Inala – a Rudolf Steiner organisation supporting individuals with disabilities. Tony Anderson, CEO, stated, “Since the event began four years ago over $113,000 has been raised for Inala. Proceeds raised from this year’s event will go towards the development of a New Day Service Facility for clients with high support needs.”

The Jeep Kurri Burri Polo Classic is a day for friends and family to enjoy authentic polo competition, country hospitality, gourmet food, beverage and live entertainment, set on a beautiful estate under the back drop of the Blue Mountains.

ECOYA Flagship Store Launch in Woollahra

August 1st, 2012

I’ve been to many events in Sydney, around Australia and in Europe. Most of these events are perfectly orchestrated, catered and entertained. But I haven’t been to an event for a very long time that was a total invasion of my senses.

Hearing. Seeing. Smelling. Tasting. Touching.

It was the very exclusive opening of Australian candle and bodycare company ECOYA’s Flagship Store on Thursday evening that had me worked up and noticing that every single little detail was covered.

ECOYA candles lined Queen Street, Woollahra and flowers by Grandiflora wrapped lamp posts and street signs and hung from the store’s awning creating an exquisite entrance into the flagship store.

Saskia Havekes of Grandiflora created a decadent arrival to the store, with flowers and lighting hanging from the perimeter of the stores awning – it was simply magical. The colours and textures she used complimented the environment perfectly.

As I arrived, I was cheerfully greeted and given an ECOYA fragrance themed buttonhole flower arrangement before walking into another world that was was music to my ears – literally. Hanna Oblikov and Eliza Morrison of classical music group ASTON entertained us with contemporary songs including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Sneaky Sound System and Coldplay played on the Cello and Violin.

The ECOYA store/interior designer Megan Morton created a very organic and decadent space, with gorgeous 180 test tube chandeliers filled with seasonal flowers. The long wall of mirrors was also a stand out, which had Neale Whitaker of BELLE and many others admiring it. Treated with battery acid, it made a very interesting, yet slightly morbid and distressing look to the space – which all tied in just perfectly.

We sipped on flutes of Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 2002 Champagne, MOA and Steinlager Pure Beer and Santa Vittoria sparkling, but it was the catering that was exceptional. ‘Katering’ put together the excellent combination of canapes, including Salt and pepper barramundi with fresh lime, steamed Peking duck crepes with shallots and hoisin sauce, steamed chicken dumplings with shallot and ginger relish, peppered beef on a potato roesti with truffled aioli and rocket, smashed broad beans, pecorino and mint on charred bruschetta (below) and mini banoffee pies as something sweet to follow. The food was to die for and had every one in the room taking more then what event etiquette would allow.

I also had the pleasure of meeting the wife of ECOYA founder, Lisa Schweighoffer who was easily recognised in her bright yellow Sass & Bide pants! Just like the products ECOYA make, Lisa is a genuine and down to earth person and really in touch with the way people live and lead their lifestyles.

I can’t rave on about this event enough. Everything was perfect and everyone invited was approachable and great to chat to.

10 CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS – 1. The Philanthropic Foodie

December 14th, 2011

The first of my 10 CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS for 2011 is The Philanthropic Foodie.

The idea was conceived to create a unique Christmas gift, offering the ultimate snap shot of Sydney’s cult culinary elite. Most importantly, while devising something so innately opulent and indulgent, with all profits to be given to Sydney’s homeless charity, Youth Off The Streets.